What Does Cla Do For Weight Loss
If you're trying to lose weight, you may have heard of CLA or conjugated linoleic acid. It's a natural supplement that is claimed to help with weight loss and body composition. In this article, we'll explore what CLA is and what it does for weight loss.
What is CLA?
CLA is a fatty acid that is naturally found in foods like meat and dairy. It's a type of omega-6 fatty acid, which is essential for our health. However, most people don't get enough CLA from their diet, which is why it's often sold in supplement form.
How Does CLA Work for Weight Loss?
There are several ways that CLA is claimed to work for weight loss:
- Reducing Body Fat: CLA is believed to reduce body fat by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase, which is responsible for storing fat in the body. Studies have shown that CLA supplements can reduce body fat in overweight and obese people.
- Increasing Lean Muscle Mass: CLA is also claimed to increase lean muscle mass, which can help boost metabolism and burn more calories. However, the evidence for this is mixed, with some studies showing a small increase in muscle mass and others showing no effect.
- Reducing Appetite: Some studies have suggested that CLA may reduce appetite and help with weight loss by making people feel fuller for longer. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
What Are the Benefits of CLA?
Aside from weight loss, CLA is claimed to have several other benefits:
- Reducing Inflammation: CLA has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Improving Immune Function: CLA may also improve immune function by reducing inflammation and boosting the activity of immune cells.
- Lowering Cholesterol: Some studies have suggested that CLA may help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, which can lower the risk of heart disease.
What Are the Side Effects of CLA?
CLA is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. However, some people may experience side effects, including:
- Stomach upset
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Insomnia
If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop taking CLA and consult your doctor.
How to Take CLA for Weight Loss?
If you're interested in taking CLA for weight loss, it's important to choose a high-quality supplement from a reputable brand. The recommended dose of CLA is between 1.8 and 7 grams per day, depending on your weight and body composition goals.
CLA supplements are available in capsules, tablets, and liquid form. It's best to take CLA with meals to help with absorption.
The Bottom Line
CLA is a natural supplement that is claimed to help with weight loss and body composition. While the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, some studies have shown that CLA supplements can reduce body fat in overweight and obese people. CLA may also have other health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving immune function, and lowering cholesterol levels. If you're interested in taking CLA for weight loss, it's important to choose a high-quality supplement from a reputable brand and take it in recommended doses.